Saturday, January 2, 2010

On New Year's Eve I watched the ball drop in Times Square from an entirely new perspective.No, I wasn’t courageous enough to brave the crowds and the cold and actually go to Times Square, but I counted down the seconds to 2010 in a New York apartment, surrounded by new friends.Through a cloudy winter sky, I saw hints of fireworks going off over Central Park and I realized that this was my city, that I was happy here, and that here was now home.

I remembered that at this time last year, I was spending a quiet New Year’s Eve at my parents’ home in Wisconsin, filled with excitement and anxiety about my upcoming move to New York.I had packed up the last six years of my life in SF before the holidays, and after the New Year I would hit the road again, striking out for the Big Apple.

It was exactly one year ago today that I arrived in New York.I didn’t know what to expect. I hoped that I would make friends.I hoped that I would expand my business.I hoped that I wouldn’t be considered a social pariah for wearing my beloved hiking boots and Patagonia parka on 5th Avenue.

Well, 2 out of 3.Turns out that when armed with a small medicine cabinet’s worth of blister prevention materials, I’m quite capable of walking long distances in heels.Who knew?

Looking back on the past year, I am astonished at how my life has changed.I have loved living in Manhattan, exploring the city, increasing my contacts and building new friendships, so many of which are with people I have met in publishing, people who I did not yet know this time last year.

I am especially grateful to my colleagues at Kimberley Cameron & Associates for having encouraged and supported me.Kimberley, April and Amy are three of the loveliest, most talented women I know.When I proposed opening a satellite office a few thousand miles away, they listened, considered, and told me we’d find a way to make it work.Their openness and their faith in me enabled me to take this chance, for which I will always be thankful.

The ringing in of the New Year seems a natural time to usher in change.And once again I find myself anticipating a new chapter.As of January, 4th, I will be joining the Jean V. Naggar Agency.As I continue to put down roots in NYC, I look forward to being a part of such a well-respected New York agency.However, it is with sadness that I part with Kimberley Cameron & Associates.It has been a wonderful six years with the company, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow and flourish.

I wish everyone good health, success, and creativity in 2010.And of course, happy writing!